Advance Preparation

1. It's best to have the solids and liquids available for dispensing in numerous small containers convenient to students. Dispense cyclohexane in a fume hood.

2. If you have not performed this activity before, plan to do so prior to having students do it.

3. Make waste containers available and be prepared to give specific disposal directions to students prior to the activity.

4. Check the working order of the fire extinguisher, fire blanket, safety shower, and eye wash.

5. Safety goggles must be available.

Pre-Lab Discussion

Review safe laboratory procedures and general safety rules. Demonstrate the safe handling of supplies and equipment used. Give students specific directions about disposal of lauric acid and cyclohexane. Tell students to stop heating a substance once it has melted. Also tell students that if they experience difficulty in melting NaCl in an evaporating dish, to try placing a small amount in a test tube and heating the test tube directly over the hottest part of the burner flame. Caution students not to use flames near cyclohexane.

Help students organize a suitable data table, possibly as shown here.

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